Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Minutes
The meeting commenced with a safety briefing covering exit routes and cold stress prevention. Key action items included adopting the consent agenda, which approved the November meeting minutes. Public comment sessions featured discussions on the Mattapan Line project timelines, concerns regarding commuter rail electrification versus locomotive overhaul, the inclusion of diesel heaters in Battery-Electric Buses (BEBs), and the closeout of the Daniels-Finegold settlement agreement. The Board voted to incorporate accessibility metrics related to station staffing into the Service Delivery Policy. The DPU Rail Safety Division presented its annual report, highlighting safety event investigations and corrective action plans. Updates on the Transit Safety Plan were discussed, leading to the approval of the 2026 Transit Safety Plan. The Transit Police Chief reviewed crime statistics, noting an overall decrease in crime, and detailed recruiting efforts. Finally, the Board authorized the execution of an option order for 40 new Battery Electric Buses and approved a contract for the midlife overhaul of forty HSP46 Commuter Rail Locomotives.